January: The Riskiest Month for Pedestrians
A recent study has unveiled that January stands as the most perilous month for pedestrians in Oregon. Zinda Law Group, a renowned personal injury law firm, meticulously examined data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Their findings, spanning from 2017 to 2021, revealed that January witnessed approximately 152 fatal motor vehicle crashes, tragically encompassing the demise of 43 pedestrians. This startling data underscores January as the month with the highest pedestrian fatality rate, accounting for 28.29% of the total incidents.
The Darker Months: A Time of Heightened Danger
While January tops the chart, the subsequent autumn and winter months are not far behind in their threat to pedestrian safety. November and February clinched the second and third spots respectively in the study. November’s data is particularly alarming, with 27.52% of motor vehicle crashes resulting in pedestrian fatalities. Nighttime proved especially hazardous, with 35 out of the 60 pedestrian deaths occurring after dark. February, on the other hand, saw 18.4% of its 125 fatal crashes involving a pedestrian casualty.
| Ranking | Month | Total MVCs | Pedestrians killed in Fatal Crashes | MVCs involving a pedestrian death |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | January | 152 | 43 | 28.29% |
| 2 | November | 218 | 60 | 27.52% |
| 3 | February | 125 | 23 | 18.40% |
Summer: A Respite for Pedestrians
Contrary to the grim statistics of the colder months, summer emerges as a beacon of relative safety for pedestrians in Oregon. June, in particular, boasts the lowest pedestrian involvement in fatal motor vehicle crashes. From 2017 to 2021, out of 215 recorded incidents, only 22 pedestrians faced fatal outcomes, translating to a mere 10.23%. July and September followed suit, registering as the second and third safest months respectively for pedestrians in the state.
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Expert Advice on Pedestrian Safety
A representative from Zinda Law Group weighed in on the study’s findings, stating, “Evenings during the winter months are some of the most dangerous times to travel as a pedestrian. Over 70% of pedestrians killed in a fatal crash were involved in an incident during nighttime.” They further advised, “If you decide to take a walk in the darker months or during the evening, make sure to wear reflective clothing if possible and travel in well-lit areas. It is vital to always be aware of your surroundings for possible vehicles, removing earphones or reducing the volume of your music to ensure you move as safely as possible.”
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